Recognition of Cemetary Remains in the Forensic Setting

• NCJ Number: 128101
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1991) Pages: 230-237
• Author(s): H E Berryman; W M Bass; S A Symes; O C Smith
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

As a result of vandalism, construction, and nature, remains from historical cemetaries sometimes find their way into the realm of forensic science and anthropology. Recognition of characteristics associated with cemetary remains and knowledge of basic societal funerary customs can help reduce the investigative time devoted to these cases.

Abstract

Physical characteristics consistent with cemetary remains include those associated with the embalming and decomposition processes. Some of these characteristics are fungal growth, presence of head and facial hair, cracking and flaking of skin, fabric impressions on the skin, decomposition at coffin pressure point, brain preservation, and cribriform plate fracture. Artifacts associated with burial, the coffin, or the embalming process often provide reliable evidence of cemetary remains. Finally, the presence of embalmed tissue can be detected through chemical analysis. 4 figures and 10 references (Author abstract modified)